Former FCC head raises concerns over Elon Musk's role in rural internet funding

Blair Levin, a former FCC director, has raised concerns about Elon Musk's potential conflict of interest as he leads the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Levin warns that Musk could influence funding for rural broadband to benefit his satellite company, Starlink. Musk has criticized the Biden administration's $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, which aims to improve rural internet access. Starlink has been excluded from this funding due to performance issues, but Musk's stance could enhance Starlink's market position. Levin described the situation as "unprecedented," noting that a major shareholder of a communications company now holds a significant government role. He suggested that the new administration could withhold BEAD funding, impacting rural broadband services.